Simple Definition of risk
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: the possibility that something bad or unpleasant (such as an injury or a loss) will happen
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: someone or something that may cause something bad or unpleasant to happen
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: a person or thing that someone judges to be a good or bad choice for insurance, a loan, etc.
Full Definition of risk
1 : possibility of loss or injury : peril
2 : someone or something that creates or suggests a hazard
3 a : the chance of loss or the perils to the subject matter of an insurance contract; also : the degree of probability of such loss b : a person or thing that is a specified hazard to an insurer c : an insurance hazard from a specified cause or source <war risk>
4 : the chance that an investment (as a stock or commodity) will lose value
: in a state or condition marked by a high level of risk or susceptibility <patients at risk of infection>
Examples of risk in a sentence
I prefer not to expose my money to too much risk.
The degree of risk is minimal.
All investments have an element of risk.
The trip didn't seem like much of a risk.
I'm aware of the risks associated with this treatment.
There is a risk of liver damage with this medication.
Wearing a seatbelt greatly reduces the risk of injury or death in a car accident.
We feel that this product presents a significant risk to public health.
To me, skydiving is not worth the risk.
Smoking is a risk to your lungs.
Origin of risk
French risque, from Italian risco
First Known Use: circa 1661
risk
Simple Definition of risk
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: to put (something) in a situation in which it could be lost, damaged, etc.
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: to do something that could result in (something bad or unpleasant)
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: to do (something that may have harmful or bad results)
Full Definition of risk
transitive verb
1 : to expose to hazard or danger <risked her life>
2 : to incur the risk or danger of <risked breaking his neck>
Examples of risk in a sentence
She risked her life to save her children.
He risked all his money on starting his own business.
He risked breaking his neck.
She's risking being considered too sentimental.
The country risked a war.
brave people who risked being killed to help others
I'm not willing to risk getting lost. I'm going to buy a map.
The company is risking the loss of millions of dollars.
It's not wise to risk traveling so soon after surgery.
Circa 1687
First Known Use of risk
circa 1687
RISK Defined for Kids
Definition of risk
1 : possibility of loss or injury <This adventure involves risks.>
2 : something or someone that may cause loss or injury <Smoking is a health risk.>
Definition of risk
riskedrisk·ing
1 : to expose to danger <He risked his life to save the children.>
2 : to take the risk or danger of <I'm not willing to risk hurting myself.>
Medical Dictionary
risk
playMedical Definition of risk
1: possibility of loss, injury, disease, or death <hypertension increases the risk of stroke>
2: a person considered in terms of the possible bad effects of a particular course of treatment <a poor surgical risk>
Learn More about risk
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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for "risk" Medical Dictionary: Definition of "risk" Spanish Central: Translation of "risk" Nglish: Translation of "risk" for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of "risk" for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about "risk"
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